How To Care for a Wheaton Terrier: Dog Food, Grooming

Get Tips to Provide the Best Care for This Dog Breed

Wheaton Terriers, named for their wheat-colored coats, are a versatile, fun-loving breed. They are normally great with people, but require early socialization. They are a medium-size breed, with a long flowing coat (so they require a lot of dog grooming), and graceful long strides. Here are some tips on how to care for this special breed:

They have a thick long coat, which requires dedicated dog grooming. If you are not going to show your dog, there are a couple of clips, such as the comfort or buddy clip, to keep them looking good. The coat should be trimmed every two to three months, since it grows continuously.

Brush their coat least once a day with a medium comb to remove any debris or tangles from the coat. You will not notice much shedding if the coat is combed regularly, and also periodically trimmed. This makes them a good breed for people with allergies.

If you take them to be professionally groomed, make sure your groomer is familiar with the breed. This is an unusual breed, and you do not want your dog to come home looking like a poodle or schnauzer.

Trim or check your dog's nails regularly if you do not have him professionally groomed. You should also check and wipe the ears gently with a soft cloth to remove any dirt.

Early socialization is very important to your puppy. Only select puppies that have had human contact, and are outgoing and friendly. It is also a good idea to enroll your new addition in training classes as soon as possible, they are a great tool for socializing your pet.

They benefit from basic obedience training. Train basic commands, such as stay, come and sit. These commands could save your pet's life in a dangerous situation. They are an intelligent breed, but they can be stubborn, so begin training at a young age.

A typical terrier breed; they like to dig. If left alone, they can become destructive. This breed loves to learn new tricks and games to exercise their brains, so you should include a daily time to exercise to keep him from becoming bored and destructive.

He can make a good pet in an apartment, or a house with a small yard, if he is walked or exercised daily. No matter what size of yard, you should provide enough exercise.

Take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a complete checkup, shots update, and heart worm check. Consult with your veterinarian about any health or behavior concerns you have.

This breed is hard to find, and breeders are often selective about who they place their puppies with. It is worth the extra effort to purchase your dog from a reputable breeder who will ensure that you and your new puppy will be a good match.

Required Tools:

Medium comb

Nail trimmers

Caution:

This breed likes to dig.

Quick Tips:

If you are not planning on showing your pet, you can maintain his coat in a comfort or buddy clip.